For a truly adventurous road trip, take the 56-mile Chena Hot Springs Road. This scenic route winds through a variety of scenic scenery, including the stunning Chena River State Recreation Area. During the cooler months, you can camp, take float trips, or go hiking. There are short hikes at Granite Tors and more challenging trails at Angel Rocks. You’ll also see countless outcroppings of rock and beautiful forests.
The secluded location of Chena Hot Springs Road allows you to experience the city’s ambiance without ever compromising your sense of adventure. Whether you want to spot wildlife or simply cast a line into the cold waters of the creeks, this road offers a scenic, memorable experience. The road, built in 1913, also provides plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities. Moose are often found in the water holes on the Chena River, and you can spot them at Slough Lake and Red Squirrel Campground. If you’re bringing your family, consider camping on the grounds.
For those who don’t want to camp, there are plenty of other options on Chena Hot Springs Road. There are several places to dine, but there’s no one dining experience that will fit everyone’s schedule. The Chena Hotsprings Resort’s restaurant serves breakfast and dinner daily. The Aurora Ice Museum is a must-see, and the Aurora Ice Museum is a must-see! There’s also ample camping and RV parking.
The Chena Hot Springs Road is also home to a wide variety of wildlife. You can spot moose in Slough Lake, beavers in Mile 42, and muskrat near the Red Squirrel Campground. While driving along Chena Hot Springs Road, be sure to watch for wildlife. You’ll never know when you might come across an animal! Regardless of the animal species you see, be sure to wear your seat belt and pay attention to the areas where wildlife often congregate.
At the junction of Chena Hot Springs Road and the Steese Expressway, you’ll find a small food shop that serves lunch and dinner. At the Chena Hot Spring Resort, you’ll find a year-round ice museum and a large paved parking lot. During the winter, you can take a dog mushing tour or a winter trail. You’ll also find horseback riding and a sledding hill.
The area is also home to a number of wildlife. The area has a thriving arctic grayling population, and the road is the best place to spot these animals. For other wildlife, you’ll see moose at Slough Lake and the Red Squirrel Campground at mile forty-two. Sometimes you’ll even see beavers at the paved turnout south of the road.